One easy way to contribute to waste reduction in your community is through the Community POWER (Partners On Waste Education and Reduction) program. Encourage a nonprofit community organization that you know (a neighborhood group, school, church, youth organization, senior citizens group, etc.) to apply for a Community POWER grant. The process is easy. The organization (its staff and volunteers) will receive training on waste issues, free written materials, and money to complete a project that they design. Community POWER has helped 91 groups all over the Twin Cities metro area actively reduce waste and toxicity since 2001. For more information, click on one of the links below.
Who Should Get Involved in Community POWER?
The intent of the Community POWER grant program is to partner with community groups such as neighborhood organizations, schools, churches, senior citizen groups, youth organizations, and civic groups to reach individuals who are not currently aware of waste reduction practices.
Grant applicants must be schools or 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Organizations whose primary mission is NOT environmental education or environmental advocacy are strongly encouraged to apply. Environmental organizations are encouraged to partner with other organizations.
Grant applicants must serve communities in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington Counties. Past grantees include coalitions of churches, arts organizations, block nurse programs, neighborhood associations, and study circles.
How Your Group Can Get Involved
Your community group can educate and encourage action among your stakeholders to address waste issues. Through Community POWER, your community group can access free resources (materials, technical assistance) as well as grants to support community waste reduction projects. Grants are distributed through a competitive process. All groups - those that require grant funds and those that don't - are invited to participate in quarterly Community POWER meetings to network with other groups and learn more about important waste issues and resources.
Contact the Project Manager: Ami Voeltz, amivoeltz@comcast.net or (612) 345-7973.
You are welcome to get on the mailing list by emailing your information to amivoeltz@comcast.net.